When they were babies, they didn’t have any likes or dislikes—but haven’t you noticed that, before you know it, they’ve developed a favorite thing? I think “trains” are a classic example of something kids absolutely love.
For the sake of your beloved child, you spend your days tapping away on social media, searching for train events and spots. But sometimes you’ve already been there, or it costs money… And yet, kids are experts at begging with sparkling eyes, shouting, “Trains! Trains!”
For families facing this dilemma, I’d like to recommend a niche Hitachinaka City outing spot: the “Katsuta Rolling Stock Center.”
What kind of place is the Katsuta Rolling Stock Center?
The Katsuta Rolling Stock Center is a JR East rolling stock depot located near Katsuta Station. It’s like a hospital for trains, where they inspect, repair, and clean the rolling stock.
You can see a variety of trains currently in service. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare train—it’s truly exciting. It’s a great way for parents and kids to enjoy the day together, wondering, “I wonder what kind of train formations we’ll see today?”
Actually, the events are a big hit! “Katsuta Rolling Stock Center Festival”
The Katsuta Rolling Stock Center holds events from time to time. The most recent one appears to have taken place on November 22, 2025. Registration was required in advance, with 2,400 free spots and 250 paid spots (including hands-on activities).It seems to be bustling with many railfans and families. Here are the details of the event:
Free Events: E491 Series train interior tour / Model train exhibition (N-gauge) / Rides on the mini steam locomotive and mini E657 Series / Photo session in children’s stationmaster uniforms / Craft booths (making E531 Series and E657 Series pin badges)
Paid Events: Train Car Wash Experience / Driver’s Cab Experience
Other Attractions: Antique railway auction / Railway merchandise sales / Food and beverage stands / Performances by the Hitachinaka Symphony Wind Orchestra / Koriyama General Rolling Stock Center branch office, etc.
This event seems very kid-friendly. In particular, the photo session in stationmaster uniforms and the chance to sit in the driver’s cab are sure to leave children with fun, lasting memories. Even the adults accompanying them are likely to get caught up in the excitement.
One thing to note is that these events are held on an irregular basis and require tickets. The JRE MALL Ticket store at the JR East Mito Branch sells tickets for JR East events held in the Ibaraki area and the Hamadori region of Fukushima Prefecture. Since these events are held irregularly, be sure to check back often.
Source: JR East Mito Branch | Operated by JR East [JRE MALL Tickets]
Katsuta Access to the Rolling Stock Center
Address: Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki 2-15-1 Nishi-Oshima
Nearest Station: Joban Line Katsuta Station (20-minute walk from the West Exit, 5 minutes by car)
Nearest Bus Stop: Ayabe Internal Medicine Clinic (2–3-minute walk from the bus stop)
(↑This is the nearest bus stop. Take the Hitachinaka City community bus, the “Smile Aozora Bus.” It doesn’t seem to run very often……)
(Katsuta Station When coming by car or bus from the West Exit, turn right at this intersection to see the trains lined up directly.)
(It’s about a 1-minute drive or a 5-minute walk from the intersection; you’ll see the trains on your right. The sidewalk is a bit bumpy and narrow—just wide enough for a single stroller.) (The sight of all those trains lined up in a row is truly spectacular. You can almost hear excited children exclaiming, “Oh, it’s the Hitachi!”)
There are supermarkets and drugstores nearby, so you could buy lunch there and eat it at a nearby park. While you shouldn’t have trouble finding food, there are no restrooms nearby, so be sure to use the restroom before heading over.
Also, it seems there’s no parking lot, whether on regular days or during events. If you’re driving, it’s best to use one of the coin-operated parking lots in the area. For young train enthusiasts, just seeing the trains along the way is probably fun enough.
Fun at Home Too! Online Resources for Young Train Enthusiasts
Don’t worry if it rains or your schedule doesn’t allow you to visit in person. You can check train formation charts and live camera feeds online.
Reference: E531 Series Katsuta Vehicle Center Train Formation Chart (Latest Version) – Car 4, near Car 5
Reference: JR Joban Line Live Camera Train Live Camera JP - YouTube
“What do the trains look like on a rainy day?” “Which cars are there today?” You can satisfy your little train enthusiast’s curiosity from the comfort of home.
The Katsuta Rolling Stock Center was a mecca for young train enthusiasts
It’s not just about watching trains—it’s a place where you can see a world you wouldn’t normally see just by visiting a station, with maintenance workers and train depots. It’s a place you can enjoy for free, where both young train enthusiasts and adults alike light up with excitement.The Katsuta Rolling Stock Center was a place where such special moments unfolded. As a spot near Katsuta Station where you can easily stop by with your kids, it’s highly recommended even as a quick break during sightseeing. Why not make it your next destination?